New Port Richey's interim city manager gets pay bump

NEW PORT RICHEY — Susan Dillinger will serve as interim city manager for longer than expected so the City Council has given her a big raise.

Last week, the council voted unanimously to increase Dillinger's salary nearly 18 percent from $89,000 to $105,000, while she continues to serve as interim city manager.

Mayor Bob Consalvo brought up the issue of giving her a raise, pointing out that when her predecessor, John Schneiger, left in September 2012 he was making $109,700. Consalvo also added that Dillinger has continued in her role as library director in addition to running the city.

It remains unclear how long a planned renewed search will take to find a permanent manager. The council has opted to begin looking again next year and decided last week to investigate hiring a consultant to help with the process.